OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
financial
Popular Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, 2025
CONTENTS 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 9 10 11,12 13 13 14 15 16,17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 27 2
Message from the Clerk Role of the Clerk Clerk’s Initiatives About Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners Okeechobee County Constitutional Officers The Local Economy Housing Market Revenues Property Taxes Checks & Balances Other Revenue Sources Expenditures Major Accomplishments Government - Wide Financial Statements Governmental Fund Capital Assets and Long-Term Debt Cash and Investments Reserves Okeechobee County Attractions A Look to the Future Okeechobee County Services Contacting Your Local Government Clerk’s Online Services By the Numbers Sources
CONTENT
2025 Christmas in Okeechobee Lights, Flagler Park and Park Street
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CLERK Dear fellow residents of Okeechobee County, Welcome to the fifth edition of our Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR)! Each year, we put this report together because we believe you deserve a clear, easy-to-read look at how your local tax dollars are being managed — no accounting degree required. This report covers the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, and walks you through where the money comes from and where it goes — all under the watch of the Board of County Commissioners. We've also sprinkled in some local photos and community facts to make it a genuinely enjoyable read. You can trust the numbers shown in this PAFR. Everything in this report comes straight from audited financial statements prepared by an independent auditing firm — as required by law. Part of my job as your elected Clerk is to make sure every transaction lines up with the County's budget, the law, and our contracts with vendors. Think of it as a built-in system of checks and balances working every single day on your behalf — that's exactly what my dedicated team and I do here in the Clerk’s Office. Want to dig deeper? The full audited financial statements are available at the County Administrative Offices in the Historic Court House, or on the first floor of the Judicial Center. Just ask! Or you can find this report — and so much more — on our website at myokeeclerk.com Look for the "Financial Report" link on our home page. While you're there, you can also search court and official records, sign up for Property Fraud Alert, check in for jury duty, download free court forms, file court cases, and even participate in foreclosure and tax deed auctions — all from the comfort of your home or office. We have a limited number of printed copies of this PAFR available, so if you'd prefer a digital version, the website is always the easiest way to go. We hope this report leaves you feeling informed about local financial affairs and more connected to your community. My staff and I consider serving you to truly be an honor. With warm regards,
Jerald D. “Jerry” Bryant, Esq., CFCC
4 | Okeechobee County Financial Round Up 2025
CLERK
The Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller is an elected public trustee established in 1838 by the Florida Constitution. The office of the Clerk & Comptroller performs a wide range of record keeping, information management, and financial administration services for Florida’s judicial system and county government. In this system of checks and balances, the Clerk & Comptroller is responsible for over 1,000 different constitutional and statutory duties and functions per state law.
THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
CONTENT
Process and file all civil and criminal court documents Protect and maintain integrity of evidence Provide citizens with access to court records –– documents in paper and online Manage the County’s jury system
COUNTY RECORDER
Preserves and ensures integrity of Official Records dating back to 1917 Record documents such as mortgages, deeds, liens, judgements, and marriage licenses
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, TREASURER, & AUDITOR
Oversees the County’s budget, revenue, and spending. Records Revenues and Processes Payments on behalf of the County Commissioners; pays all County bills Ensures taxpayer funds are being used lawfully by pre-auditing all payments Invests all available County funds to earn interest
CLERK TO THE BOARD
Document and maintain the minutes, records, and activities of the County Commissioners and other government meetings Administers the Value Adjustment Board to allow citizens to contest property values
INITIATIVES During the Operation Green Light Event, Okeechobee County customers with suspended driver’s licenses have an opportunity to pay overdue court fines, including traffic tickets, while saving money on collection costs, and having their licenses reinstated on the spot. Operation Green Light’s goal is to help people in Florida who have criminal fines and traffic tickets that have resulted in their licenses being suspended. The Clerk’s Office wants to help people save money by waiving the 30% collections surcharge for tickets that are more than 90 days overdue. PASSPORT SATURDAYS Clerk Bryant has initiated periodic Passpor t Day events to offer oppor tunities for the Public to apply for their Passport outside of normal business hours. Our Passport Day events are held on Saturdays, allowing the public to complete this important and exciting task without having to leave work or other important engagements. During FY25, we held two Passport Day events, executing 60 applications.
FLORIDA COURT CLERKS & COMPTROLLERS BEST PRACTICES PROGRAM Florida’s Clerks of Court & Comptrollers play an important role in ensuring transparency and accountability of local government, while working to provide efficient access to public documents such as court records, audits, meeting minutes, financial information, contracts, and more. Okeechobee County‘s Clerk of Court, Jerald D. Bryant, was awarded the Best Practices Award by the FCCC in 2025.This was the fourth consecutive year receiving this award from FCCC. CIVIC CONTRIBUTIONS Each year, during the Holiday Season, the Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Office staff supports the Okeechobee County Senior Services ‘Adopt-a-Grandparent’ program. In December 2025, we provided 41 grandparents with gifts, cards, and gift certificates for seniors in need. In 2025, we started a school supply drive and the Clerk’s Office staff collected over 600 individual school supply items.These items were then packaged into gift baskets and presented to local schools at the start of the school year. Jerald D Bryant - Clerk & Comptroller - Okeechobee County | 5
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY Okeechobee County, founded in 1917 from parts of Palm Beach, St. Lucie, and Osceola Counties, is centrally located from both east and west coasts of Florida on the north shore of the famous Lake Okeechobee. Bordered on the west by the Kissimmee River; the County is neighbored by Osceola, Glades, Highlands, Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin Counties. The County’s population is 42,608 as of 2025 U.S. Census population estimates with a 7.5% growth rate since the 2020 US Census. Okeechobee tends to realize an influx in population (between 12,000 – 15,000) between the months of November and April, as visitors arrive to enjoy our natural resources and beautiful weather. Lake Okeechobee is the second largest freshwater lake in the contiguous United States, spanning over 730 square miles. The name Okeechobee comes from the Hitchiti words “oki” meaning water and “chubi” meaning big. Besides the “Big O”, Okeechobee is also known for superior fishing, boating, hunting, bird watching, and hiking. The “Big O” is considered one of the best bass fishing lakes in the United States but houses a wide variety of fish. Once a year, the County continues to celebrate the Speckled Perch Festival which is Okeechobee’s oldest local celebration dating back to 1965.This festival honors the fishing industry and history while attracting more tourists to Okeechobee County. A large portion of Okeechobee’s history and economy involves beef cattle and dairy farming. A 2024 USDA study reported 155,000 head of cattle are maintained in Okeechobee County, which is nearly four times the number of residents. One local ranch, Williamson Cattle Company, ranks among the top 12 cattle ranches in the US annually. The residents of Okeechobee are proud of its history and pay tribute to its past through various murals and sculptures located throughout downtown depicting local historical times and events.
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
Established: May 8, 1917
Population: 42,608
#1 Cattle Producing County in FL: 155,000 Head
Median Age: 41
769 square miles
6 | Okeechobee County Financial Round Up 2025
VOTE
Registered Voters: 20,676
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS The Board of County Commissioners is the governing body of Okeechobee County, as established by the Florida Constitution.They are elected by a countywide vote and serve as the legislative branch of County Government. The five-member Board is chosen in two cycles, staggered by two years. Districts 1, 3, and 5 are elected in the presidential election years, and Districts 2 and 4 are elected in the intervening years.
CONTENT
The authorities and responsibilities of the Board include adopting ordinances and resolutions, levying authorized taxes and fees, adopting a budget each fiscal year, approving expenditures of county funds, entering into contracts, and much more.
David Hazellief
Bradley Goodbread
Frank DeCarlo
District 1
District 2
District 3
Terry Burroughs District 4
Michael Sumner District 5
Okeechobee County CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS The five elected Constitutional Officers serving in specific governmental functions in Okeechobee County are the Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, Sheriff, Supervisor of Elections, and the Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller. These Constitutional Offices are funded in part by the County’s General Fund but the Board of County Commissioners does not have direct responsibility for their operations. Instead, each office is operated independently within its respective legal guidelines.
Mickey Bandi
Property Appraiser
Jerald Bryant, Esq.
Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
David May
Supervisor of Elections
Noel Stephen Sheriff
Celeste Watford Tax Collector
Jerald D Bryant - Clerk & Comptroller - Okeechobee County | 7
ECONOMY The population of Okeechobee County has been steadily increasing each year. The County’s economy has historically been made up of agriculture, but has seen an increase in other industries in the recent years. Real estate, retail sales, health care, tourism, and the service sector are some of the areas that have helped the growth of Okeechobee County’s Economy.
Source: Florida Legislature Office of Economic and Demographic Research.
Median Household Income: $54,559 28% Less than the State
MAJOR EMPLOYERS
MAJOR EMPLOYERS (In no particular order) (In no particular order)
Charles Industries, LTD Inc. Westlake Royal Roofing HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital Okeechobee Livestock Market Okeechobee Health Care Gilbert Family of Companies Larson Dairy McArthur Farms Okeechobee County School Board Okeechobee County* TRC Investments, LLC Walpole, Inc. Florida Dept of Corrections
Manufacturing Manufacturing Healthcare Agribusiness Healthcare Distribution Agribusiness Agribusiness Government Government Manufacturing Transportation Government
*Includes the Board of County Commissioners, Sheriff, Clerk & Comptroller,
*Includes the Board of County Commissioners, Sheriff, Clerk & Comptroller, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, and Supervisor of Elections Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, andCorporation Supervisor&of ElectionsCounty Source: Okeechobee County Economic Development Okeechobee Source: Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation & Okeechobee County
8 | Okeechobee County Financial Round Up 2025
Source: Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation
HOUSING MARKET
Okeechobee County's housing market continued to see the median sales price for a single-family home increase for the fifth consecutive year. The median sales price rose to $302,000 for a single-family home, a 1.94% increase over 2024.
CONTENT
Source for this info is: Okeechobee County Property Appraiser and Florida Realtors
MEDIAN SALES PRICE is the preferred summary statistic for the price activity because, unlike average sales price, median sales price is not sensitive to high sales prices for small number of homes that may not be characteristic of the market area.
MORTGAGES DEEDS AND FORECLOSURES Filed in 2025
50
Foreclosure Sales
1061
Mortgages Recorded
3203
Deeds Recorded
9
REVENUES Okeechobee County Revenue is comprised of AdValorem Property Taxes, the County portion of State Tax and shared revenue, such as fuel and sales taxes, county charges for services, federal and state grants, and other miscellaneous sources.Total revenue for the County increased 14.30% over the prior year.
nts Gra ns ting tio era ribu Op ont % & C 4.36 xes Ta el 2% Fu 4.6
Ho
s axe ty T r e p Pro 9.33% 2
st 5.1 Fees 0%
Revenues
For Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2025
Sales Tax 7.28%
$108.95 Million
&
10 | Okeechobee County Financial Round Up 2025
or es f arg Ch rvices Se 30% 24.
Ca p Co ital nt Gra 11 ribu nts .68 tio ns %
d are e Sh es t a t u S en Rev 2% 7.6
PROPERTY TAXES The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and other taxing entities each set a property tax rate, called a millage rate, which is used to calculate your overall property taxes.
CONTENT
A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. The amount you pay in property taxes each year is based on the formula below.
How Your Property Taxes Are Calculated Just Value*
– Assessment Limitations – Exemptions
Total Millage Rate
=
1,000
Total Property Tax
*Just Value and Market Value are often synonymous terms
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY TAXING CYCLE JANUARY
JULY
Property Valued Assessed
Tax Millage Rate
In January, the Property Appraiser determines market value and exemption eligibility, which are used to calculate your property's taxable value.
Property Tax Rate The FY25 millage rate was established by the BOCC at 7.9000 mills, a reduction of 1.27% from the prior year.
–
In July, the BOCC and other taxing entities set millage rates, which are used to calculate your property taxes.
AUGUST Property Tax Notice
In August, the Property Appraiser mails a notice of proposed taxes or Truth in Millage (TRIM) notice Taxpayers may challenge the assessment by petitioning the Value Adjustment Board (VAB).
NOVEMBER Property Tax Bill
In November, the Tax Collector mails your tax bill and begins collecting payment.
Budget Process
Every year, the County must prepare a budget for the next fiscal year. State law requires the budget to be balanced and can only be amended by the BOCC at public board meetings. The fiscal year for Okeechobee County begins on October 1 and ends on September 30. Your total millage rate will be the sum of all millage rates from the taxing districts in which your property is located. See the dollar bill chart on the next page for an example. Jerald D Bryant - Clerk & Comptroller - Okeechobee County | 11
PROPERTY TAXES For Fiscal Year Ended 2025, 29.33% of the County’s revenue can be attributed to property taxes. County-wide, taxable property values have seen an increase of 8.94% from 2024 to 2025. The Board of County Commissioners and other taxing entities set the property tax rate which is called “millage rate.” A “mill” is equal to $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value and the adopted millage rate for tax year 2025 is 7.9000. Property tax bills are distributed to property owners annually. The individual property tax bills are broken down by ad valorem tax (based upon the millage rate), plus various assessments that apply to the specific area where the property is located in the County.
2025 Top 10 Taxpayers
2025 Taxable Value
% of Taxable Valuation
Florida Power & Light Company Florida Southeast Connection LLC Gulfstream Natural Gas System, LLC Florida Gas Transmission TCal-Maine Foods, Inc. MHC Okeechobee RV LLC Okeechobee Landfill Inc Glades Electric Co-Op, Inc. Okeechobee Hospital, Inc. Copart of Connecticut, Inc.
$ 1,035,449,271 $ 96,741,800 $ 50,021,160 $ 47,625,000 $ 37,418,794 $ 37,105,535 $ 31,890,472 $ 20,549,661 $ 20,413,030 $ 19,118,011
22.51% 2.10% 1.09% 1.04% 0.81% 0.81% 0.69% 0.45% 0.44% 0.42%
Principal Taxpayers' Total:
$ 1,396,332,734
Total County Taxable Value:
$ 4,599,141,531
8.94% Over FY24
Source: Okeechobee County Okeechobee County Tax Collector
WHAT DO PROPERTY TAXES PAY FOR?
Ad Valorem Taxes
County – 28% School Board – 19% South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) – 1% Children’s Services Council – 1% Garbage Assessment – 28% EMS Assessment–13% Fire Assessment – 10%
Non-Ad Valorem Assessments The above example represents the tax bill of an average home with an assessed value of $100,000, less $50,000 for homestead exemptions. 12 | Okeechobee County Financial Round Up 2025
REVENUE SOURCES
CHECKS & BALANCES
CONTENT
Tax Collector
COLLECTS Taxes
Property Appraiser
ASSESSES Taxable Property Value
Clerk & Comptroller
VERIFIES Pays County Bills
Board of County Commissioners
LEVIES Property Taxes
The Assessments depicted above are included in Charges for Services on page 10.
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EXPENDITURES
Okeechobee County’s expenditures for fiscal year ended 2025 totaled $91.90 million dollars.The Public Safety fund is the largest expenditure at 59.93% of the total budget, and is made up of the Sheriff ’s Office, Fire Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, and Disaster Relief funds. General Government, which encompasses Okeechobee County’s Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, Clerk & Comptroller, Supervisor of Elections, and Board of County Commissioners, their office staff, all financial services, and comprehensive planning, makes up 21.75% of the total budget. Overall, total expenses increased 10.67% over the prior year.
tion rea Rec t e& ltur 3.74% en Cu nm iro nv l E 4% ica 5.4 ys Ph
Public Safety:
Fire/EMS, emergency and disaster relief, and the operations of the Sheriff.
General Government:
General county operations, such as county administration, budget office, facilities, fleet, human resources, and procurement. General government also includes operations of the Tax Collector, Supervisor of Elections, Property Appraiser, and Clerk & Comptroller.
Tran s
por 11.6 tation 6%
Transportation:
Construction and maintenance of roadways and sidewalks.
$91.90 Million
Physical Environment:
Services related to the management of natural resources such as land and water.
Culture and Recreation:
Parks and recreation programs/services and the library
Economic Environment:
Labor and industry development, veterans services, housing
Human Services:
Services for mental health, physical health, public assistance programs, and healthcare for indigent persons 14 | Okeechobee County Financial Round Up 2025
Expenditures
For Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2025
l ra nt ne me Ge ern % v 75 Go 21.
Public Safety 59.93%
ACCOMPLISHMENTS CONTENT
Okeechobee County has compiled a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and available funds are allocated to proposed projects. Many CIP projects will start a professional services phase (architectural design and engineering) in one fiscal year, construction will begin in the next fiscal year, then the project will end up being completed in the following fiscal year. Additionally, if a project is grant funded, the grant application and award process can be extensive, and a project cannot start until all of that is completed. From design to construction, the timeline for projects can be lengthy with all the factors at play. Below are some of the County’s projects that are currently under construction and/or upcoming projects expected to be completed in the coming years. Jail Expansion - Phase 2 The most significant capital improvement project during FY25 was continued work on the $60 million Jail & Expansion Project, representing a major commitment to public safety and community services. This project includes multiple phases and ultimately doubled the size of the old jail to 150,000 gross square feet, including two new housing pods with 400+ inmate capacity and a new kitchen and laundry facility. Funding for this project has been provided by ARP, state grants, host fees, general fund, legislative appropriations, bonds, county reserves, and opioid settlement funds.
Fitness Trail This paved trail at the Darrell Enfinger Sports Complex is three-quarters of a mile and includes six fitness stations.The project was funded, in part, by a $400,000 Land and Water Conservation Grant and generous support from the Rotary Club of Okeechobee.
Altobello Family Pump Track At Kiwanis Park you will find this custom-designed pump track with an array of rollers, berms, and jumps. Riders can generate speed and momentum by “pumping” their bikes rather than pedaling. Bikes, skateboards, scooters, and skates are all welcome and this $350,000 project was made possible through the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Altobello Donor Advised Fund.
15
Okeechobee County Statement of Net Position presents the County’s assets and deferred outflows, less liabilities and deferred inflows, with the difference between them being reported as net position. An increase in net position from one year to the next would indicate improvement and a decrease would indicate deterioration.
STATEMENT OF NET POSITION (In Millions) 2025
2024
Increase (Decrease)
$ 90.96 $ 144.90 $ 235.86 $ 16.66
$ 95.10 $ 123.38 $ 218.48 $ 16.09
$ (4.14) $ 21.52 $ 17.38 $ 0.57
$ $ $ $
12.02 82.09 94.11 8.45
$ 0.07 $ (3.06) $ (2.99) $ 4.27
$ 102.93 $ 19.97 $ 9.11 $ 132.01
$ 16.90 $ (1.93) $ 1.70 $ 16.67
Assets Current and Other Assets Capital Assets Total Assets Deferred Outflows of Resources
Liabilities Current and Other Liabilities Long-Term Debt Total Liabilities Deferred Inflows of Resources
$ $ $ $
12.09 79.03 91.12 12.72
Net Position Net Investment in Capital Assets Restricted Unrestricted Total Net Position
16
$ 119.83 $ 18.04 $ 10.81 $ 148.68
Property PropertyTaxes Taxes Fuel Taxes Fuel Taxes Sales SalesTax Tax Communication CommunicationServices ServicesTax Tax Tourist Tax Tourist Tax STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES Franchise FranchiseFees Fees (In Millions) State StateShared SharedRevenues Revenues Miscellaneous Revenue* Miscellaneous Revenue* Gain GainononSale SaleofofAsset Asset Total Revenue Total Revenue General Charges for Services GeneralGovernment Government Public Safety Operating Grants and Contributions Public Safety Physical Environment Capital Grants and Contributions Physical Environment Transportation Transportation Economic EconomicEnvironment Environment Property Taxes Human HumanServices Services Fuel Taxes Culture Cultureand andRecreation Recreation Sales Tax Interest and Fiscal Interest and FiscalCharges Charges Communication Services Campground and Marina Campground and Marina Tax Tourist Tax Total Expenses Total Expenses Franchise Fees Change ChangeininNet NetPosition Position State Shared RevenuesPosition Net Position Beginning Net Position - Beginning Position Miscellaneous Revenue* Net NetPosition Position- Ending - EndingPosition Position Gain on Sale of Asset Total Revenues
$ $ 28.77 $ $ 24.98 28.77 24.98 $ $ 5.03 $ 5.17 5.03 $ 5.17 $ $ 7.72 $ 7.72 $ 7.73 7.73 $ $ 0.08 $ 0.09 0.08 $ 0.09 $ $ 0.50 $ 0.50 $ 0.56 0.56 $ $ 0.69 $ $ 0.63 0.69 0.63 $ $ 8.51 $ $ 7.93 8.51 7.93 $ $ 10.43 $ 8.50 10.43 $ 2024 8.50 2025 $ $ 0.20 $ 0.13 0.20 $ 0.13 Revenues $ $ 95.33 $ 95.33 $ 88.20 88.20 Program Revenues: Expenses Expenses
CONTENT
$ $$ 19.99 $ $$19.68 26.47 24.45 19.99 19.68 $ $$ 42.76 $ 46.35 4.75 4.98 42.76 $$ 46.35 $ $$ 4.75 $ 3.97 12.73 3.97 4.75 $$ 3.97 $ $ 7.55 $ $ 8.67 7.55 8.67 General Revenues: $ $ 1.51 $ $ 1.20 1.51 1.20 31.95 28.77 $ $$ 2.21 $ $$ 2.16 2.21 2.16 5.03 5.03 $ $$ 3.38 $ $$ 2.97 3.38 2.97 7.93 7.72 $ $$ 0.77 $ $$ 0.55 0.77 0.55 0.09 0.08 $ $$ 0.12 $ $$ 0.13 0.12 0.13 0.56 0.50 $ $$ 83.04 $ $$85.68 83.04 85.68 0.73 0.69 $ $$ 12.29 $ $$ 2.52 12.29 2.52 8.30 $ 8.51 $ $$119.73 $ $117.21 119.73 117.21 10.40 $ 10.42 $ $$132.02 $ 119.73 132.02 $ 119.73 0.01 $ 108.95 $
$ 0.20 $ 95.32
$ $ 3.79 3.79 15.17% 15.17% $ $ (0.14) -2.71% (0.14) -2.71% $ $ (0.01) -0.13% (0.01) -0.13% $ $ (0.01) -11.11% (0.01) -11.11% $ $ (0.06) -10.71% (0.06) -10.71% $ $ 0.06 9.52% 0.06 9.52% $ $ 0.58 7.31% 0.58 7.31% Increase Percentage Percentage $ $ 1.93 22.71% 1.93 22.71% Change (Decrease) Change $ $ 0.07 0.07 53.85% 53.85% $ $ 7.13 8.08% 7.13 8.08% $ $ 0.31 2.02 0.31 $ $ (3.59) (0.23) (3.59) $ $ 0.78 8.76 0.78 $ $ (1.12) (1.12) $ $ 0.31 0.31 3.18 $ $ 0.05 0.05 $ $ 0.41 0.410.21 $ $ 0.22 0.22 0.01 $ $ (0.01) (0.01) 0.06 $ $ (2.64) (2.64) 0.04 $ $ 9.77 9.77 (0.21) $ $ 2.52 2.52 (0.02) $ $12.29 12.29 (0.19) 13.63
1.58% 8.26% 1.58% -7.75% -4.62% -7.75% 19.65% 220.65% 19.65% -12.92% -12.92% 25.83% 25.83% 11.05% 2.31% 2.31% 0.00% 13.80% 13.80% 2.72% 40.00% 40.00% 12.50% -7.69% -7.69% 12.00% -3.08% -3.08% 5.80% 387.70% 387.70% -2.47% 2.15% 2.15% -0.19% 10.26% 10.26% -95.00% 14.30%
*Includes Investment Income, Host Fees, Insurance Recoveries, and Miscellaneous Revenue *Includes Investment Income, Host Fees, Insurance Recoveries, and Miscellaneous Revenue
Expenses General Government Public Safety Physical Environment Transportation Economic Environment Human Services Culture and Recreation Interest and Fiscal Charges Campground and Marina Total Expenses Change in Net Position Net Position - Beginning Position Net Position - Ending Position
$ 19.99 $ 47.72 $ 5.00 $ 10.72 $ 1.33 $ 2.37 $ 3.44 $ 1.21 $ 0.12 $ 91.90 $ 17.05 $ 132.01 $ 148.68
$ 19.99 $ 42.76 $ 4.75 $ 7.55 $ 1.51 $ 2.21 $ 3.38 $ 0.77 $ 0.12 $ 83.04 $ 12.28 $ 119.73 $ 132.01
4.96 0.25 3.17 (0.18) 0.16 0.06 0.44 8.86 4.77 12.28 16.67
0.00% 11.60% 5.26% 41.99% -11.92% 7.24% 1.78% 57.14% 0.00% 10.67% 38.84% 10.26% 12.63%
By comparing beginning and ending net positions, stakeholders can assess whether a government's overall financial position has improved or deteriorated over the year. This helps in evaluating the fiscal sustainability of government operations and the ability to meet future financial obligations.
Jerald D Bryant - Clerk & Comptroller - Okeechobee County | 17
GOVERNMENTAL FUND Okeechobee County’s General Fund is the chief operating fund and accounts for all government operations not reported in other funds. As of September 30, 2025, the County’s General Fund balance was $34.22 million, and the total Government Funds, which includes the Law Enforcement Trust Fund, Fire/EMS Services Fund, Road Maintenance Fund, and the Airport Fund were $73.06 million.
General Fund (In Millions)
2025
2024
$ 0.17 $ 0.30 $ 0.58 $ 33.17 $ 34.22
$ 0.12 $ 0.24 $ $ 27.40 $ 27.80
2025
2024
General Fund
Nonspendable Restricted Assigned Unassigned Total Fund Balance
Total Government Funds (In Millions)
Increase (Decrease)
$ $ $ $ $
0.05 0.06 0.58 5.77 6.42
Increase (Decrease)
Total Government Funds Nonspendable Restricted Committed Assigned Unassigned Total Fund Balance
$ $ $ $ $ $
0.42 17.31 10.97 12.45 31.91 73.06
$ $ $ $ $ $
0.49 25.31 12.95 11.67 26.90 77.32
$ $ $ $ $ $
(0.07) (8.00) (1.98) 0.78 5.01 (4.26)
The Fund balance classifications used are: NONSPENDABLE: Amounts such as inventories, prepaid items, and advances to another fund that cannot be spent because they are not in spendable form. RESTRICTED: Amounts that can only be spent for specific purposes stipulated by external resource providers such as creditors, grantor's, contributors, laws, or regulations of other governments. COMMITTED: Amounts that can only be used for specific purposes determined by the highest level of formal action such as Ordinances and Resolutions of the Board of County Commissioners. ASSIGNED: Funds intended to be used for specific purposes such as spendable fund balance established by the County’s Administration that are neither restricted nor committed. UNASSIGNED: Fund balance that has not been assigned to other funds and is not for restricted, committed, or assigned to specific purposes within the General Fund and Public Safety Fund.
18 | Okeechobee County Financial Round Up 2025
DEBT ASSETS CONTENT
Capital Assets are resources with initial useful lives that extend beyond one reporting period. Capital Assets of a government are not current financial resources, but are recorded as such in the government-wide financial statement.
CAPITAL ASSETS & LONG-TERM DEBT (In Millions)
Capital Assets 2025 2024 Capital Assets Not Being Depreciated Land Construction in Progress
$ $
7.62 62.08
$ $
7.62 41.33
Percentage Change 0% 50%
Capital Assets, Net of Accumulated Depreciation Buildings and Improvements Machinery and Equipment Computer Software Infrastructure Right-To-Use Lease Equipment Subscription-Based IT Arrangement Total Capital Assets, Net
$ 37.84 $ 11.12 0.10 $ $ 25.50 0.09 $ 0.55 $ $ 144.90
$ 38.13 8.77 $ 0.12 $ $ 26.75 0.07 $ 0.59 $ 123.28 $
-0.8% 26.8% -16.7% -4.7% 28.6% -6.8% 17.4%
Long Term Debt Governmental Activities 2025
2024
Percentage Change
Bonds Payable, Net Notes Payable: Direct Borrowings Capital Leases SBITA
$ $ $ $
24.56 2.15 0.09 0.53
$ 25.00 $ 1.77 $ 0.07 $ 0.61
-1.8% 21.5% 28.6% -13.1%
Total Long-Term Debt
$ 27.33
$ 27.45
-0.4%
(Subscription-Based Information Technology Arrangements)
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CASH & INVESTMENTS In accordance with Florida Statutes section 218.415, the Clerk’s Office Finance Department manages the County’s investment portfolio with the objective of preserving capital and maintaining enough liquidity to meet anticipated cash flow when needed. Additionally, investing is used as a tool to maximize earnings within statutory and fiduciary constraints.
20 | Okeechobee County Financial Round Up 2025
RESERVES
Reserves are funds that are set aside to pay for expenses, both planned and unanticipated, including current and future projects. For budget purposes, they are divided into five categories.
CONTENT
CONTINGENCY RESERVES are established to meet unanticipated needs. CAPITAL PROJECT RESERVES are set aside for capital improvement projects. BALANCE FORWARD RESERVES are carried forward from prior fiscal years. OTHER OPERATING RESERVES are dollars for a variety of specific potential needs. DEBT SERVICE RESERVES are established for future debt service payments.
Total Reserves as of September 30, 2025:
$60,523,134
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ATTRACTIONS MAJOR FISHING SERIES TOURNAMENTS
RODEOS Okeechobee is rightly known as the "Bass Capital of the World." Lake Okeechobee, the largest freshwater lake in Florida, beckons anglers from far and wide.
Rodeos are a staple in Okeechobee County and a long-standing tradition. For over 70 years, rodeos have been annual events in Okeechobee.
KISSIMMEE PRAIRIE PRESERVE STATE PARK OUTDOOR SHOOTING SPORTS Many visitors travel here to let the lead fly at local venues like Okeechobee Shooting Sports, OK Corral Gun Club, and Quail Creek Sporting Ranch.These venues offer unique shooting experiences, lodging, food, and event space.
This 54,000 acre property is one of the largest parks in the Florida State Parks System. As part of the Everglades headwaters, the preserve protects the largest remaining tract of Florida dry prairie, home to many native species.
SEMINOLE BRIGHTON BAY HOTEL & CASINO
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY FAIR The Seminole Tribe of Florida opened a new Hotel & Casino at the Brighton Reservation in February 2025. Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino offers gaming, dining, and event space. 22
The annual Okeechobee County Fair comes to town in March for 6 days, featuring food, carnival rides & games, animals, and the Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show.
FUTURE CONTENT
BASS PRO SHOPS RESORT Bass Pro Shops continues efforts to acquire and develop the Okee-Tantie Recreational Area/Marina into a legacy resort which is expected to include a marina, an RV Resort, various camping sites/locations, and a restaurant.
SFWMD OKEECHOBEE FIELD STATION The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is currently constructing a new Okeechobee Field Station that will replace the current facility, which opened in 1962. This project will combine the Okeechobee Field Station and Okeechobee Service Center into one facility and will also include a 120 ft communications tower, a regional water quality lab, backup emergency operations center, and offices for the FWC Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program. OKEECHOBEE HIGH SCHOOL REPLACEMENT A new Okeechobee High School opened with the start of the 2026-2027 school year. This new 250,000 squarefoot facility was built behind the previous school, on the same campus. While the school has opened, much of the surrounding infrastructure such as more drainage and parking improvements are expected to be complete at the end of 2026. This has been an exciting project and huge benefit to the Okeechobee County School District offering a state-ofthe-art learning environment with 85 classrooms and 1,700 student stations.
Jerald D Bryant - Clerk & Comptroller - Okeechobee County | 23
SERVICES Agri-Civic Center
Agricultural Extension Office Airport Services
Construction and Maintenance of Roadways,
Sidewalks, and other Infrastructures E-911 Services Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Law Enforcement Library Services Traffic Operations and Control Licenses and Permits Parks and Recreational Services Planning and Zoning Public Improvements Senior Services SHIP Program: State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program Solid Waste Services Tourist Development Veteran Services
24 | Okeechobee County Financial Round Up 2025
CONTACTS CONTENT
OFFICERS
COMMISSIONERS
Jerald D. “Jerry” Bryant, Esq. Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller 312 NW 3rd Street Okeechobee, Florida 34972 Phone: 863-763-2131 www.myokeeclerk.com
The Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners and Administration is located at:
Mickey Bandi Property Appraiser 409 NW 2nd Avenue, Suite B Okeechobee, Florida 34972 Phone: 863-763-4422 www.okeechobeepa.com Celeste Watford Tax Collector 409 NW 2nd Avenue, Suite A Okeechobee, Florida 34972 Phone: 863-763-3421 www.okeechobeetc.com Noel Stephen Sheriff 504 NW 4th Street Okeechobee, Florida 34972 Phone: 863-763-3117 www.okeesheriff.org David May Supervisor of Elections 304 NW 2nd Street, Room 144 Okeechobee, Florida 34972 Phone: 863-763-4014 www.voteokeechobee.com
& COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
304 NW 2nd Street Okeechobee, Florida 34972 863-763-6441 Ext. 6 www.okeechobeecountyfl.gov
David Hazellief District 1 County Commissioner dhazellief@okeechobeecountyfl.gov Frank DeCarlo District 2 County Commissioner fdecarlo@okeechobeecountyfl.gov Bradley Goodbread District 3 County Commissioner bgoodbread@okeechobeecountyfl.gov Terry W. Burroughs District 4 County Commissioner tburroughs@okeechobeecountyfl.gov Michael Sumner District 5 County Commissioner msumner@okeechobeecountyfl.gov Jessica Bezares County Administrator jbezares@okeechobeecountyfl.gov
Jerald D Bryant - Clerk & Comptroller - Okeechobee County | 25
CLERK'S OFFICE
ONLINE SERVICES For more information about Okeechobee County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller, please visit www.myokeeclerk.com
TO VIEW:
Click “PUBLIC SEARCH” Court Records Official Records Foreclosures Tax Deed Sales
TO PAY:
Click “PAY ONLINE” Court Fees Fines Citations Child Support
SCAN QR CODE TO SIGN UP FOR PROPERTY FRAUD ALERTS
TO FIND:
Click “SERVICES” Forms Marriage License Application Packets Property Fraud Alert Access E-Filing Portal E-Certified Documents
CONNECT WITH US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM @OkeechobeeClerk
26 | Okeechobee County Financial Round Up 2025
CONTENT BY THE NUMBERS
2025
Photography by Kayla Fetters
261
Marriage Licenses Issued
55
Tax Deed Sales
SOURCES 82
Ceremonies Performed
1,170
Passport Applications Processed
14,778
Total Documents Recorded
1,635
Property Fraud Alert Registrations
$ 5,984
Civil Traffic Citations Processed
Adopted Budget FY2024/2025 Audited Financial Statements Year Ended September 30, 2025 USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Southern Region U.S. Census Bureau (census.gov) Population Estimates Florida State Parks (floridastateparks.org) Okeechobee County Property Appraiser Okeechobee County Capital Projects Department Okeechobee County Community Services Department Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Photos: Aerial Innovations Okeechobee County Fair Okeechobee County Library Okeechobee County School Board Okeechobee County Tourist Development Council Okeechobee Cowtown Rodeo Seminole Tribe of Florida Graphic Designer: Bridgette Waldau
10,354
Total Cases Filed
Jerald D Bryant - Clerk & Comptroller - Okeechobee County | 27
Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Jerald D. “Jerry” Bryant, Esq. 312 NW 3rd Street | Okeechobee, FL 34972 Phone: 863-763-2131
www.myokeeclerk.com
To digitally view this PAFR, and those of prior years, scan this QR code.